How did Qianlong’s government suppress the rebellion in Taiwan in 1787?

The 1787 rebellion in Taiwan was suppressed by the Qing dynasty government through the military leadership of Fukang’an, a prominent Manchu commander under the Qianlong emperor.1

Fukang’an was tasked with pacifying the island, a mission he successfully accomplished as part of his distinguished military career. While historical records note that Fukang’an was a corrupt official who enriched himself during his tenure as governor-general in various provinces, he remained undefeated in combat. His effective suppression of the uprising in Taiwan contributed to his rise in status, eventually earning him the rank of a prince of the fourth degree—a rare honor for a Manchu outside the imperial family.1

It is important to clarify that the 1787 Taiwan uprising is distinct from the White Lotus Rebellion, which occurred later (1796–1804) in central China and involved different strategies, such as the use of local militia stockades and the removal of food supplies from the countryside.2